Water, Ecology, and the Jordan River in Islam

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second ECOPEACE / FRIENDS OF THE EARTH MIDDLE EAST (F RIVER INISLAM AND THEJORDAN WATER, ECOLOGY, RIVER OUTOFEDEN: EDITION, June 2014 oEME)

We recognize that the Jordan River Valley is that cripples the growth of an economy a landscape of outstanding ecological and based on tourism, and that exacerbates the cultural importance. It connects the eco- political conflicts that divide this region. It systems of Africa and Asia, forms a sanctuary also exemplifies a wider failure to serve as for wild plants and animals, and has witnessed custodians of the planet: if we cannot protect a some of the most significant advances in place of such exceptional value, what part of the human history. The first people ever to leave earth will we hand on intact to our children? Africa walked through this valley and drank from its springs. Farming developed on these We have a different vision of this valley: a vision plains, and in Jericho we see the origins of in which a clean, living river flows from the Sea urban civilization itself. Not least, the river runs of Galilee to the Dead Sea; in which the valley’s through the heart of our spiritual traditions: plants and animals are afforded the water they some of the founding stories of Judaism, need to flourish; in which the springs flow as Christianity, and Islam are set along its banks they have for millennia; and in which the water and the valley contains sites sacred to half extracted for human use is divided equitably of humanity. By any measure, this landscape between the nations that share the valley and must be counted as part of the heritage of the people who live here. humankind. Realizing this vision will not be easy. But But over the past 50 years, the Lower Jordan difficulty cannot be an excuse for inaction. We River has been destroyed. 96% of its historic therefore call upon the governments of the flow has been diverted. What little water countries that share this watershed to make a remains is polluted with saline and effluent, serious commitment of resources and political including untreated sewage. The valley’s capital to the rehabilitation of the Jordan River. wetlands have dried up, its springs are failing, As individuals and organizations, as members and half its biodiversity has been lost. This is of civil society, and as religious or community not just a tragedy for wildlife: families have leaders, we also affirm that this is a landscape seen their fields turn to dust, not from a lack of of universal ecological, cultural, and spiritual water but from the injustice of its distribution. importance, and commit to work towards the The demise of the Jordan and the collapse of the vision expressed in this covenant. valley’s eco-system represents a failure of our most basic responsibility towards the species whose habitats have been destroyed and the ecological systems that sustain life on earth. It is a neglect that leaves us impoverished, Dear Friends,

This is a toolkit of information to help Islamic communities around the world learn about the contemporary reality the Holy Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan.

At the beginning of the booklet you will find background information describing the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong and why it matters to our community. The second section includes a compilation of writings about the Jordan River in the Muslim tradition, about the sacredness of water, and about the connection between spiritual faith and care for the natural world. Three specially commissioned pieces of writing about the state of the river and about the role of the Muslim community in its rehabilitation are also included. You are welcome to use these works as the basis for your own presentations or sermons, or to adapt them to suit your audience. You will also find scriptural texts, prayers, and essays.

Section three includes sample lesson plans and questions to assist community educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups on this issue. Finally, we’ve prepared some suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River by taking action to let decision makers know that we care about the revitalization of the Jordan. Additional resources to support awareness campaigns and plan visits to the river are available at www.SavetheJordan.com.

We encourage you to treat this as a working document: to annotate it, to select what is most illuminating for your own teaching, and to enrich it through your own knowledge and insight.

We hope that these materials inspire your congregation or class to join in the campaign to revive the Jordan River.

With gratitude,

EcoPeace / Friends of the Earth Middle East June 2014 II. WATER, ECOLOGY, ANDTHEJORDAN RIVERINISLAM I. BACKGROUND T able Islam, MuslimsandtheJordan River Reviving theJordan Justice, Peace, Prosperity A Measure ofProgress A New VisionoftheValley A Failure ofWisdom The Destruction oftheJordan Some Facts andFigures An Ecosystem Destroyed A Blessed Land ASource ofLife A Man-MadeDisaster Reviving theJordan: AChallenge for Young Muslims Protecting theJordan River Covenant for theJordan River Care for theEarthinHadith andSunna Water inthe Holy Quran Of Contents Sway Abu Prof. Mustafa Imam Shakir Zaid 26 Dr. Husna Ahmed 28 23 22 21 20 18 17 16 15 14 13 25 11 35 34 33 3

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 7 The Jordan Valley in Islamic History 36

Other Quotes on Water and Creation 37

Declarations and Essays on Islam and Ecology 38

The Islamic Declaration on Sustainable Development 41

Islam and Water Management:Overview and Principles Naser I. Faruqui 42

III. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 45

Rationalization of Water and Waste 46

Lessons That Can Help You 48

IV. IDEAS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION 53

V. CREDITS 57 I. Background

The Jordan River has suffered an ecological collapse. What went wrong and why it matters to our community. the Jordan Valley. you to join usincalling for areturn ofwater to thisriver, andareturn oflife to It’s nottoo late. Eco-Peace /Friends oftheEarth Middle East (FoEME) asks ans ofGod’s earth. ral world, for ourown spiritualtradition, andfor ourresponsibility ascustodi- This isaman-madedisaster –onethatshows anutter disregard for thenatu- has beenlost. valley’s wetlands have driedup,itsspringsare failing, andhalfitsbiodiversity What little water remains ispolluted withsalineanduntreated sewage. The Today, theriver hasbeenallbutdestroyed. 96%ofitsflow hasbeendiverted. heartlands oftheIslamicworld. For thousandsofyears theJordan River brought life to oneofthecultural A man - made disaster

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 13

© Francesco Zizzola A source of Jabalesh-Sheikhthe Jordan rushedsouth Prophet (SAAS).From itssource inthe foothills as itdidinthetimeof Companionsofthe Until about50years ago, theriver looked much of theIslamicworld. Itisariver oflife. This isariver, then,thatflows through theheart to theeast oftheJordan. Mohammed (SAAS)are alsoburied inthevalley, many oftheclosest CompanionsoftheProphet Isa (Jesus)–peace be uponthemall–andthat and Yahya IbnZakariya (John theBaptist) and stories oftheProphets Yusha IbnNun(Joshua) We know thatthisriver isimportant inthe 21:71). for(Quran, the worlds” We blessed had that Land -describedintheQuran asthe“land that bringslife to alard almuqadasa-theHoly In themind’s eye we seeagreat river –ariver Imagine theRiver Jordan. of life Agriculture wasthebreakthrough thatallowed in thealluvialmudnorth oftheDeadSea. first farmers began to plantandharvest grain springs. Anditwashere, too, thatthe world’s walked across thisplainanddrank from its Some ofthefirst people ever to leave Africa emergence ofurbancivilization. it allowed theflourishingofhumanlife andthe some 500millionmigratory birds eachyear. And and Western Asiaandforming aflywayusedby connecting theeco-systems ofEastern Africa It greened acorridor through thedesert, in whichwildplantsandanimalsflourished. life to thevalley. Itcreated wetland habitats All along theway, theJordan River brought surface oftheearth. lake oftheDeadSea–lowest pointonthe until itdisappeared into theintensely saline slowly along thelength oftheJordan Valley into Lake Tiberius,andthenmeandered more Prophet (SAAS);Abu‘Ubaydahibnal-Jarrah, (SAAS); Ja‘far ibnAbiTalib, the cousin ofthe Harithah, theadopted sonoftheProphet side oftheriver. They includeZaydibnAl- the Prophet (SAAS)are buriedontheJordanian in 635CE.Someoftheclosest Companionsof fought oneofthedecisive battles atFahl (Pella) many whohadknown theProphet (SAAS), It washere thattheMuslimarmies, including expansion underCaliphUmar. history andculture since thetime ofIslam’s The Jordan Valley hasbeencentral to Muslim A Blessed city anywhere intheworld. claim to betheoldest continuously inhabited were built some10,000years ago,anditcan towns, Jerichoamongthem.Jericho’s walls villages to develop into theworld’s first real Land

© Jonathan Kalan / FoEME scribes oftheHoly Quran. Companions and,according to some,oneofthe the most trusted oftheProphet’s (SAAS) warrior; andSharhabilBinHassneh, among Azwar, anearly Companion andrenowned mu’azin to theProphet (SAAS);Dirar binAl- Caliph Umar;BilalbinRabah,whoserved as supreme commander oftheArab armiesunder one ofthefirst to accept Islamandlater to Muslims.” exceptional importance of humankind,andasaplace of be counted aspartoftheheritage cultural, spiritual-thisriver must “By anymeasure –ecological,

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 15 An communities have seenfieldsturn to dust, pumped from beneath theland,Palestinian the river anddenieda fair share ofthewater generations have run dry. Refusedaccess to have started to falter andfail. Wells usedfor that irrigated farmland for thousandsofyears This isnotjust atragedy for wildlife. Springs is sinkingbymore thanameter every year. sustained only byinflowing water from theJordan, valley’s biodiversity hasbeenlost. TheDeadSea, has suffered anecological collapse. Halfthe As theriver hasdriedup,theJordan Valley little more thanastagnant canal ofeffluent. and agricultural run-off. Inplaces, theriver is water remains ispolluted withsaline,sewage, than 96%oftheriver’s historic flow. Whatlittle this watershed have dammedanddiverted more In just over 50years, thecountries thatshare save theriver from beingdegraded. significance oftheJordan hasbeenenough to Neither thenatural beautynorthespiritual ecos ystem destro yed human –we are only now beginning to count. whose severity andcost –economic, ecological, divide theregion. Thisisanecological collapse and exacerbating thepolitical conflicts that economy thatcould besupported bytourism that share thevalley, cripplingthegrowth ofan It alsoexacts aheavyprice from thenations responsibility ascustodians ofGod’s creation. our own cultural heritage andfor ourmoral The neglect ofthisriver shows adisregard for livelihoods lost, andfamilies forced to migrate. divide the region.”divide that conflicts political the exacerbating and tourism by that supported could be of an economy the growth valley, crippling the share that nations the from price aheavy exacts of this river neglect “The

© Jonathan Kalan / FoEME SOME FACTS AND FIGURES THE JORDAN THE DESTRUCTION OF • Untreated orpoorly treated sewage has • 96%ofthatflow hasbeendiverted. • Untilabout1950,some1.3billioncubic • TheLower Jordan Valley isdividedbetween • TheLower Jordan River beginsatLake Jordanian, andPalestinian communities. the river for over 50years from Israeli, been dumpedorallowed to leak into every year. meters ofwater flowed through the valley river. and donotreceive water directly from the Palestinians have noaccess to theJordan Jordanians, Israelis, andPalestinians. before reaching itsendattheDeadSea. Tiberius andflows south for about120km

• FoEME estimates that Israel diverts about • ThedyingoftheJordan isalsocausing •Thediversion andpollutionofthis while SyriaandJordan take therest. half oftheriver’s average annualflow, meter peryear. sinking attherate ofapproximately one the DeadSeato disappear–itisnow biodiversity hasbeenlost. collapse -more than50%ofthevalley’s water hascaused anecological

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 17 managed through a process of competition. and itsrain andrivers cannot besustainably correspond to theborders drawn on our maps, watershed: theflow ofits streams doesnot the interests ofallconcerned. Thisisasingle long term, anapproach thatwill undermine water mightseeminevitable. Butitis,inthe region, thiszero-sum struggle for thevalley’s Given theintensity ofpolitical conflict inthe denied access to theriver, take almost nothing. Jordan take aboutaquarter each.Palestinians, river’s average annualflow, while Syriaand estimates thatIsrael diverts abouthalfofthe possible share oftheJordan’s water. FoEME these nations have raced to capture the greatest valley asasingle, trans-boundary watershed, Israelis, andPalestinians. Instead ofseeingthe between Lebanese,Syrians,Jordanians, that drains into theJordan River isdivided At theroot oftheproblem isconflict. Thebasin beauty andvalue? this to happento aplace ofsuchexceptional Why hasthishappened?How have we allowed A fail ure of wisdom

on Nature inAssisi in1986- World League,wrote intheIslamicDeclaration Omar Nasseef, Secretary General oftheMuslim Regent (Khalifah) onearth.AsDr. Abdullah intended whenGodappointed manasHisVice- The abuseofnature issurely notwhatwas being” Ch.7). Muslim, (Sahih living every for] in [caring is reward Prophet (SAAS)said“There living creatures. Asrecorded inthehadith, Mohammed (SAAS)to show respect to all clearly expressed inthesunnaofProphet use. Thisdirectly contravenes ourMuslimduty, collection ofresources to beminedfor human forms oflife, isseenasnothingmore thana in whichnature, includingitswater andallits non-human world. Itexemplifies anattitude profound failure ofrespect for thenatural and The degradation ofthisvalley alsoreveals a it does not belong to us to do what we wish. not to belong wish. does to us we it what do of this We Earth; not masters are Earth. on and agents stewards We Allah's are Allah. of –Vice-Regent trustee or that of aKhalifah is mankind'sFor the Muslim, earth on role the creation thatGod hasentrusted to us. policy, butarenewed spiritual effort to honor the Jordan, then,requires notjust ashiftin destruction oftheJordan River. Therevival of made. Allofthishascontributed to the and ofresponsibility for theworld thatGod along withoursenseofwonder atthecreation shown bytheProphet (SAAS)hasbeenlost, The respect for water and for allof nature, (SAAS), especially inregard to theuseofwater – entrusted to uswasmodeled bytheProphet This dutyto care for theearththatGod river.” Ibn Majah, by Ch.2) (Narrated at Yes,replied: aflowing were you if even Prophet] of water? use [The is excessive water? [Sa`d] asked: in Even ablution there of use toand said him: the excessive Why ablution performing Waqqas] was he while “passed Sa`d by Muhammad (SAAS) [Ibn Abi Ibn that ‘Amr Prophet Abdullah reported safekeeping. its with us entrusted and He has to belongs It Allah

© Jonathan Kalan / FoEME Mosque &AlQudsUniversity) Prof. Mustafa AbuSway (AlAqsa The Jordan River isincluded.” them inasustainable manner. care ofthesesources anduse religious dutyofMuslimsto take world are trusts, anditisthe “All thenatural resources inthis

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 19 irreparably damaged byourown neglect. inaction. To donothing isto leave alandscape be easy. Butdifficulty cannot bean excuse for that share thevalley, realizing thisvision willnot and thestate ofrelations between the countries Given thescarcity ofwater inpartsofthisregion God’s earth. harmony withIslam’s attitudeofcare towards love andrespect for thecreation, andthatisin spiritual obligationsasMuslims,thatshows This isavisionthatreflects our moral and people wholive here. nations thatshare thisvalley andamongst the human useisdividedequitably between the millennia; andinwhich water extracted for in whichthespringsflow asthey have for are afforded thewater they needto flourish; which thevalley’s plants,birds andanimals runs from Lake Tiberiusto theDeadSea;in Valley -avisioninwhichclean, livingriver FoEME hasadifferent visionfor theJordan A New Vision of the V alley through cooperation. we have nochoice butto manageitsustainably to sustain farms andfamilies andeconomies – Jordan to survive –ifwe wantto usethiswater interconnected ecosystem. Ifwe want the to seethisriver anditstributaries asasingle, The starting pointofanynew approach must be through cooperation.” through choicetono but sustainably manage it have we to the Jordan survive, want “If we

© Daniel Adamson / FoEME rehabilitate theJordan. be returned aspartofaninternational effort to recommendation thatathird ofthehistoric flow allocations, butitfalls far shortofFoEME’s This setsanimportant precedent for future year from Lake Tiberiusto helprevive theriver. (million cubicmeters) offresh water every Water Authorityhas agreed to allocate 30mcm into theJordan River in49years. TheIsraeli 2013 alsosawthefirst release ofclean water could sooncome to anend. century ofusingtheJordan asasewage canal Jordan Valley. FoEME isconfident thathalfa and Palestinian communities throughout the plants are indevelopment inJordanian, Israeli, untreated sewage into theriver. New treatment working to prevent thedumpingorleaking of governments andmunicipalitiesare now Responding to years ofadvocacy, national of progress inthestruggle to revive theriver. In thelast three years we have seenthefirst signs A Measure of Progress blueprint for therevival oftheriver. governments, thismaster plancan become the valley’s water. Withthesupportofnational mechanisms for thejointmanagementof establishment offunctioninginternational and othereffluentsinto the stream; andthe of raw orpoorly-treated sewage, saline, water to theriver; anendto the dumping 600 mcm(millioncubicmeters) offresh recommendations includethereturn of400- behind ourvisionfor theJordan. Key economically realistic policyrecommendations The planputsscientifically soundand resources. the legitimate humanneedto draw onitswater valley’s fragile ecology aswell asrecognizing River Valley –aplanthattakes account ofthe master planfor themanagementof the Jordan FoEME isalsodeveloping thefirst cross-border

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 21 closed military zone. river which,for muchofitslength, remains a providing amuch-neededpointofaccess to a welcome visitors from bothsidesofthevalley, between Israel andJordan. Thisreserve will river’s historic crossing points,ontheborder ecological peace parkcentered ononeof the towards thecreation ofatrans-boundary both sidesoftheJordan. We are now working parks –idealplaces to stay andlearn -on In thepast decade FoEME hasopened eco- and to save theDeadSea. Palestinians, to revive theLower Jordan River, and usedto restore basicwater rightsto the that could besaved (seethefact box below) identified over abillioncubicmeters ofwater the countries thatshare thevalley, FoEME has causing ashortage ofwater for humanuse.In weakening thevalley’s agricultural economy or We believe theJordan can berevived without Justice , peace , prosperity justice and peace. peace. and justice of advancement the for and cooperation for regional opportunity apractical provides water valley’s of the management the that and to valley, this health ecological as well as prosperity bring can River Jordan that aliving FoEME believes

© Israeli Electric Company Archives Reviving the • FoEME’s analysis hasidentified over a • FoEME recommends thatIsrael release • Inaddition,theJordan needsto floodat • FoEME recommends therelease of400- and to restore Palestinian water rights. management) andused to revive theriver and grey-water recycling, anddemand to irrigation efficiency, water harvesting through reduction ofleaks, improvements be saved bythesecountries (primarily billion cubicmeters ofwater thatcould share oftheJordan’s water. a riparianto theriver, hasarightto afair FoEME alsorecognizes that Palestine, as year, Syria100mcm,andJordan 90mcm. 220mcm ofwater into theriver each 24 hours). river’s ecosystem healthy(100m3/sec for least once eachyear inorder to keep the water into theriver every year. 600 millioncubicmeters (mcm) offresh Jordan

• Implementation ofamaster planrequires • Thismaster planshould determine levels • Therevival oftheriver requires that cooperation. and strengthen themechanismsof valley’s water resources, resolve disputes, boundary commission to manage the the establishment ofafunctioningtrans- eco-tourism intheJordan Valley. and advance plansfor thedevelopment of environmental rehabilitation programs, define ecological corridors, support identify waysto eliminate pollution, of water flow, setwater quality standards, trans-boundary master planfor theriver. the implementation ofacomprehensive demand for water, andto cooperate in policy strategies to managetheirown decision-makers implement national Jordanian, Israeli, andPalestinian

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 23 in; Hewillseewhatyou willdo. this world issweet andappealing,Allah placed you asvicegerents there- Prophet Mohammed(PBUH)reminded us,we willbe heldaccountable: ‘Verily, II. WATER, ECOLOGY , AND THE JORDAN RIVER IN ISLAM

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 25 We can mentionamong themAbu'Ubaydahb. companions are buriedinthe heartofitsvalley. Muhammad, someofhis most prominent import inthelife andcareer oftheProphet Although theJordan River contains nospecific (the lowest land). referred to intheQur’an(30:3)asAdnaal-‘Ard place manyMuslimexegetes opineisthearea 18:1) Mosque” (Qur’ansurrounding the“Farthest the Jordan River ispartoftheblessed precincts strengthened whenwe reflect onthe fact that its surrounding lands.Thatconnection isonly intimate historical connection to theriver and reading Islamichistory andwe experience an the area oftheJordan River, we feel asifwe are Lot, JohntheBaptist orJesusinandaround transpiring inthelives ofAbraham, Joshua, Hence, whenMuslimsread ofthoseevents (4:163).” the Psalms gave we David and unto Solomon, Job, Aaron, Jonah, Jesus, Jacob, the Tribes, Isaac, Ishmael, to Abraham, succeeding him. We sent revelation Prophets unto We as you, sent onto it and the Noah read surely sent revelation intheQur’an,“We Jesus andmanyothers asProphets ofIslam.We Hence, Muslimsview Abraham, Moses,David, Messengers ofGodwhopreceded Muhammad. its ready acceptance ofalltheProphets and fully appreciated bysomeofitsadherents, is One ofthebeautifulfeatures ofIslam,onenot the Islam founded Zaytuna College in California, where he now teaches Islamic law and history. history. and law Islamic teaches now he where in California, College Zaytuna founded writer, Muslim co- He thinker, American aprominent is Shakir Zaid activist. social and , anditsterminal pointisthe DeadSea,a Jordan , Muslims River and

Imam Shakir Zaid

our respective nations. that there are interests thattranscend thoseof can revive ourhearts andalert usto thefact vegetation thatonce filled theadjoining valley river, fullwithlife andsurrounded bythelush come together to dojust that,perhapsavibrant communities surrounding her. Ifwe can all effort ofallthepeople, states andreligious Saving theJordan River willrequire thejoint what remains ofherdissipating flow. sewage andotherpollutants deposited into or pumpedoutoftheriver andfar too much has resulted intoo muchwater beingdiverted the states whichhave emerged inthe area lack ofcoordination andcooperation between shared culture. Sadly, inmore recent times, a generally, butto create avibrant anddynamic have beenable to notonly peacefully coexist, a space where Jews, Christians andMuslims lands surrounding theJordan River have been and religions. Since theadvent ofIslam,the a meetingplace for different societies,cultures earth's tectonic plates, theriver haslong been value. Formed bythemeetingoftwo ofthe The Jordan alsohastremendous symbolic deepen itssignificance intheheartsofMuslims. the Qur'anicreferences mentionedearlier, only lives oftheseindividualsto thearea, along with specifically “Muslim”history connecting the 'Amr b.AbiWaqqas; andDarar b.al-Azwar. The Jarrah; Mu'adhb.Jabal;Shurahbil b.Hasana; purposeful pursuit ofthecommon good. our abilityto transcend conflict through a again beameetingplace; onesymbolizing of theJordan River, perhapsthearea willonce on theirbasesbeginameaningfulrestoration If we can bringthoseinterests to thefore and as we have donefor muchofthe20thCentury. interests thatwe can illafford to marginalize There are human,moral andecological respective nations” respective of our those transcend that interests are that there usto the fact and alert hearts our river…can avibrant revive “Perhaps

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 27 Muslims A Challenge Reviving the a long time to wake up;andmany are still The elders intheMuslim community took we have to dealwithinthe 21st century. instability withinnations–theseare allissues growth, poverty, risingdebts,wars and and materialism). Global hunger, population a favour by pursuing reckless industrialization of themselves (orthoughtthey were doingyou where thegenerations before you only thought world whichisinturmoil,andcrisis,aworld I wantto apologise to you for leaving you a On behalfofthepresent andpast generations precious planet. determine your destiny andthedestiny ofthis future. Your intentions, deedsandactionswill You -young Muslims,menandwomen -are our you andIcan playto affect positive change. thoughts aboutourprecious planetandwhatpart It iswonderful to bewithyou today to share some As-Salaamu Alaikum. of Allahthemost Gracious themost Merciful, Bismillah al-Rahmanal-Raheem,inthename The following is a talk addressed to young people within the Islamic community. community. the Islamic within people to young addressed atalk is following The the CEO as ofFaith Regen work her Foundation. in the through UK communities anO In 2010 awarded was she Programmes. Islamic on Adviser as (ARC) Conservation and ofReligions the Alliance by appointed been B advisory G Hajj.’ the Secretary is She the ‘ co-authored and Story’, Water: and the Hajjar ‘Islam the book authored Dr. (O Ahmad Husna oard of the largest mosque in Europe, the East London Mosque. She has recently has She Mosque. London the in East Europe, mosque ofthe largest oard

Dr. Husna Ahmed Jordan for B niversity. She She University. London from law in environmental aPhD has E) Young eneral of the World Muslim Leadership Forum, and sits on the on sits and Forum, Leadership Muslim ofthe World eneral :

B E by the Queen for services to disadvantaged to disadvantaged services for the Queen E by ‘stewardship’ over nature. earth’ handingustheobligation to practice commands ‘Donotcause corruption onthe and maintain thebalance Hecreated. Allah Islam teaches usto respect Allah’s creation like thatitwould be disastrous for humanity. be resolved bysomeone else.Ifeveryone thought your backonanyoftheseissues andthatthey will What Idon’twantyou to do isthinkyou can turn greatest injustices.’ as increasingly becoming oneofthe‘world’s as thegreatest challenge ofall timeaswell change. Climate changehasbeenidentified on your shoulder–theburden ofclimate fact thatwe are leaving suchahugeburden sleeping. Iapologise to you for thisandfor the Qur’an 14: 32-33 to useful you.’moon too; the made sun He has and the the rivers His command, by and the sea sailing you, you; ships made He to has nourish useful to produce forth brought it and with sky the water from sent has down who earth, and created the heavens who ‘It isAllah G reen G reen uide for for uide would like to talk abouttheJordan River. For in aregional cause which isquite unique-I Today Iwantto talk to you aboutgettinginvolved The global andregional causes! advocacy, through socialmediaandthrough water for all-bycampaigning together, through poverty alleviation, let uspursue clean drinking Let uspursue justice andfairness, let uspursue underpinning thatlife shouldbejust andfair. traditions contains acore moral andethical internationally. Every oneoftheworld’s great bring aboutpositive changeinoursocietyand Let uswork withotherfaith communities to for allcitizensoftheworld. actions anddeedsthatpeace iswhatwe want of peace –let usshow theworld through our Always remember thatIslamisthereligion who wantto live inpeace withinourDeen. and radicals, we are ordinary decent citizens Muslims can be;thatwe are notallterrorists let theworld seehow beautifulouractionsas beautiful, peaceful, andjust planet.You needto to ourprecious planet.You wantitto beamore Muslims you are makingavaluable contribution Islamic dutiesandshow theworld thatas youth, because you needto perform your You have adouble responsibility asMuslim and thehopefor humanity. But trust meyou are thekey! You are thefuture a young person, whowould even listen to you? insignificant, and you’re probably thinkingas You maybeoneperson, you maythinkyou are Jordan River

and thereby work towards peace intheregion. push for therehabilitation oftheJordan River Friends oftheEarthMiddle East (FoEME) to undertake inpartnership withEcoPeace / actions thatyou asyoung Muslimscan of theJordan River; andthenfocus onthe water inIslamandparticularly thesignificance I willspeakfirst ofallabouttheimportance of restore itto health. peace andsustainability istheonly hopeto Lower Jordan River. Cooperation insearch of have beenresponsible for thedemiseof decades now, conflict andhumanarrogance both symbolically andatapractical level. The themeofwater intheQuran isexplored fountains, springs,rain, hail,clouds andwinds. words related to water suchasrivers, sea, times throughout theQuran, as well asother The word for water, Ma`appears more than60 W Quran 21:107 Quran understand.’ who signs for apeople surely are there earth, and heaven between subservient and themade clouds the winds and the changing of all(kindsit of)animals, in death and spreads its after toit the earth with life the sky, then gives from down sends Allah water that the and mankind, benefits that which with the in ships the sea that run and the alternation of night and day, and ‘In and the earth, theof creation the heavens ater and Islam

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 29 58-70) 58-70) bitter, not grateful?” you 56: are (Quran why so down? could it make we bring it willed, we If We isit or who the clouds, from down it brought the water that drink?who seen you Is it In additionanotherSurah states “And you have Mercy: In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah(swt)describesHis as stated intheSurah oftheAnt: proof oftheexistence anduniqueness ofAllah (swt) hasbestowed uponus.Thisgiftisthe water asoneoftheimmensemercies Allah As Muslims,itisimportant to acknowledge a pathleading to thesource oftruth. divine lawquenchingthethirst ofknowledge or to asource ofwater”. Thusitisametaphor for “the watering source” or“thepath thatleads term Shariah(Islamiclaws)could eithermean embedded inIslamicbeliefsandcustoms. The Water isanintegral partofIslamandhasbeen Quran 25:48 Quran water’ pure the sky from tidings his before Mercy, and We down send good ‘And as the winds sends isHe who it 27:60 Quran besides Allah?’ god another be there Can them. in trees the of the growth tois not cause in power your of delight: it of beauty full planted orchards Yea, well- to We it grow the sky? cause with water from down you sends and Who earth, ‘Or, and the created has the heavens Who • Denyingwater to someoneaskingfor itis • Every humanbeing, not just Muslims,hasa relating to water managementare:- and contamination. SomebasicIslamicnorms the proximity ofwater sources to avoid pollution prohibits people from defecating orurinatingin distribution andcondemns wastefulness and Islam laysdown clear instructions onwater strive to ensure thefair allocation ofresources. of earthandmaintaining itsbalance andmust responsibility ofpreserving thenatural order We, asAllah’s stewards onearth,have the subject ofpurification andpersonal cleanliness. is itspurifyingpower. Several verses focus onthe Another aspectassociated to water intheQuran 3470). 23, –Book Dawud (Abu water and fire”(things). Grass, into: three share common “Muslims have the natural world thatevery Muslimisentitled describes water asoneofthethree wonders of Nahl 16:30-31).TheProphet Muhammad(saw) rivers flowing andflorid vegetation (Surah paradise isalways describedasaplace with Water isalsoasymbolofresurrection since assure hissurvival. right to drinkwater to quenchhisthirst to time.’ 54:28 Quran certain a in ‘Tell them thateveryone water isshared, 40:18 Quran measure.’ in fixed ‘And the sky water from send we • There isalsoarightofirrigationthatpermits • Water belongs to thecommunity andnoone • Mankindhasapriorityintheaccess to water are thehomefor someofthemost momentous plains, andthesurrounding hillsandmountains The lower Jordan River Valley, theDeadSea and spiritualheartlandof theirfaith. the landandriver Jordan asthegeographic “for allbeings.”Indeed,halfofhumanityviews the Holy Qur’ansaysthatGodblessed theland it “theGarden oftheLord” (Genesis13:10),and Christians andJews as blessed. TheBible calls the DeadSeaplainisrevered byMuslims, The landaround theJordan River Valley and the region for thelast 50years. valley’s water hasbeenasource of conflict in Israel, Syria,andJordan. Competition for the been diverted bythenational authoritiesof through itbecause 96%ofthisannualflow has only polluted water, includingsewage, flows flowed annually through theJordan River. Today In thepast, 1.3billionmetriccubesofwater in Significance precedence over agricultural orindustrial use. people to water theircrops, butdomestic usehas distribute it. put intheirlabourandtimeto access itand is allowed to own itunless they have hadto the most ignominiousacts condemned bytheProphet [pbuh]asoneof Islam

of the Jordan

Dead Sea.[Quran 30:2,3,4] Romans atthelowest partoftheearth,i.e. that took place between thePersians andthe the Quran mentionsin Surah Rumthatbattle The river Jordan flows into theDeadSeaand rapid expansion oftheIslamicworld. opened thewayto theconquest ofSyriaandthe second Battle ofYarmouk (636CE).Thisvictory won adecisive battle against theByzantinesat (634 CE)andFahl (635CE),theMuslimarmies wider military operation. After battles atYarmouk the MuslimArab tribesregrouped for amuch the Byzantinegarrisontown ofMu’tah in629CE, in Jordan. After two unsuccessful attacks against important battles inIslamichistory alsotook place Furthermore, thesites ofseveral ofthemost al-Azwar (agreat general). Scribe oftheQur’anicRevelation), andDirar bin governor inYemen); ShurhabilbinHusna(the Paradise); Mu’athbinJabal(theProphet’s (one ofthe“Blessed Ten” companions promised al-Hussein); Abu‘Ubaydah‘Amer Ibnal-Jarrah daughter Fatima andthefather ofal-Hassan and of Ali,whowasthehusbandProphet’s Talib (cousin ofthe Prophet andelderbrother mentioned bynameintheQur’an);Ja’far binAbi Prophet’s adopted sonandtheonly companion buried inJordan include:Zeidibnal-Haritha(the important companions oftheProphet (PBUH) were martyred andburiedthere. Themost the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions,who Jordan isalsohost to thetombs ofmany Allah. events inthehistory ofman’s relationship with

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 31 years. or allowed to leak into theriver for thepast 50 treated sewage water hasbeendumpeddirectly effects ofclimate change.Untreated orpoorly and Jordan, andiscompounded bytheadverse demand for water byIsrael, Syria,Palestine, of quantityandqualityisdueto thegrowing The degradation oftheJordan River interms water bythethree mainripariancountries. worsened because oftheconsistent diversion of been fairly allocated; andthesituationhas water resources oftheJordan River have not Since thedemiseofOttoman Empire the Jordan Current River condition of the

what needsto bedoneto revive the river) River ofLife’ for FoEME’s recommendations on the ‘Save theJordan’ website andthereport ‘A River isindangerofdryingupcompletely. (See Unless immediate actionistaken, theJordan river. Israel anddonotreceive water directly from the have noaccess to theriver dueto itscontrol by river, dueto military restrictions. Palestinians Residents andtourists have little access to the have blessed for the nations” blessed (Qur’an,have 21:71) that Wedescribed intheQur’anas“land the “Holy Land”(Qur’an,5:21)whichisalso special places to beblessed andholy, including TheIslamicworldview holdsthatGodchose Jordan Protecting the in theregion. Itshould beprotected against The Jordan River isvital for allinhabitants part oftheblessed landinwhichitruns. is important to establish thattheJordan River is eastern bankoftheriver? Suchanintroduction does, doesitstop atitswestern bank,oratthe holiness stop attheJordan River? Andifit same principle appliesto Jordan; would example, stop attheLebaneseborders? The vis historical Palestine. Would holiness, for maps thatemerged (still emerging!) vis-à- Land isnotto beequated withthegeopolitical of Jerusalem, andthesecond isthatthe Holy extended to the surroundings andprecincts this verse; thefirst isthattheblessedness is It isimportant to emphasizetwo thingsin (peace beuponhim)from Mecca to Jerusalem: Journey, inwhichGodtook Prophet Muhammad of thisholiness isthatwhichcovers theNight An important verse thataddresses theextent niversity in Jerusalem since 1996. in Jerusalem University Al-Quds U Al-Quds at and Aqsa ofImamG the Study Chair for the Integral is Sway Abu Mustafa Hearing, the Seeing. (Qur’an, Seeing. 17:1) the Hearing, to him He show isthe of Indeed, Our signs. We blessed, have surroundings whose Aqsa, to al-Masjid al-Masjid al-Haram al- from night by took His Servant is He who Exalted River

Prof. Mustafa Abu Sway Abu Prof. Mustafa niversity. He has been Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies at at Studies Islamic and ofPhilosophy Professor been has He niversity.

. included. included. in asustainable manner. TheJordan River is to take care ofthesesources and usethem trusts, anditisthereligious dutyofMuslims All thenatural resources inthisworld are (Narrated byAl-Nasa’i). him) prohibited urinatinginwater collections remember thattheProphet (Peace beupon River isalsodisheartening. Oneshould Reports aboutwaste water pollutingtheJordan river. by Majah).Ibn flowing (Narrated atProphet] Yes, replied: a were you if even of water? use [The ablution isexcessive there of water? use [Sa`d]excessive asked: in Even to ablution and said him: the Why performing “passed Sa`d by [Ibn Waqqas] was he while Abi him) Muhammad upon that be (peace Prophet right next to river. `Abdullah Ibn ‘Amr reported be uponhim)to conserve water, even ifoneis It istheSunnahofProphet Muhammad(Peace preservation ofthisriver. individuals are alsoinvited to participate inthe protecting thisriver isthatofgovernments, Valley. While theprimaryresponsibility for establishment ofsettlements intheJordan Israeli Occupation in 1967,especially after the negligent fraction ofwhatitwasbefore the excessive use.Itisalready reduced to a hazali’s Al- Al-Masjid at Work

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 33 On W Quran 67:30 water?” Quran flowing you could bring to sunken become [into then who the earth], Say, considered: water your “Have if was you Quran, 56:68-69 down? it bring We isit or who clouds, the from down it brought who you Is it the water that drink? seen you you have And 14:32 Quran, the rivers. for you subjected His command by and the sea through sail the ships for you and subjected tofor you provision as fruits some thereby produced and the sky from rain and sent down earth and the created the heavens who isAllah It 50:9 Quran the harvest. from grain and gardens thereby grow and made the sky from rain blessed We sent down have And 16:65 Quran listen. who people in Indeed that is asign for a lifelessness. its after to earth the thereby life given and the sky from rain sent has down Allah And 21:30 not believe? Quran, thing? they will living Then water every from made and them We separated and entity, ajoined were and thethat earth the heavens not considered disbelieved who those Have Y by the translation from the exception (21:30) comes with ofthe quotation which Quran, the on cover ofthisdocument, ofthe Holy edition International the Sahih taken are from translations *All English-language ater water in , rain the Hol , and usuf Ali. Ali. usuf y Quran life …

fah On Quran, 25:63 Quran, easily the earth upon walk who those are Merciful of the Most the servants And 2:30 not know.” Quran do you that which “Indeed, Iknow said, Allah You?” Your and sanctify declare we praise while blood, sheds and therein corruption causes who one it upon place you “Will said, authority.” They asuccessive the earth upon make “Indeed, Iwill to said the angels, Lord [mention,And OMuhammad], your when man ) and ’ s care Vice -Regenc for the y ( earth Khila … - Hadith C Sahih Muslim (Chapter Muslim being. 7, Sahih p.44) living every for] in [caring isreward There p.221) (Chapter Majah Ibn by 2, Narrated river.” at Yes,replied: aflowing were you if even Prophet] of water? use [The is excessive water? [Sa`d] asked: in Even ablution there of use toand said him: the excessive Why ablution performing Waqqas] was he while Muhammad (PBUH) “passed Sa`d by [Ibn Abi Ibn that ‘Amr Prophet Abdullah reported are for and the Sunna Earth in

Sunan Ibn Majah Ibn Sunan it. need you water than more not do use (water), waste said:not Do He (SAAS) wudu. performing aperson by passed (SAAS) Holy Prophet both of them), with that pleased the well be bin 'Umar (May Allah Abdullah Hadhrat of the on authority narrated been has It ) 22 (Chapter page 3, Bin Hanbal Musnad Muslim, Ahmad Sahih do will you what see will He therein; vicegerents as you placed Allah and and appealing, Verily, is sweet this world

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 35 Abu ' • Abu Talib Abi ibn • Ja‘far Al-Harithah ibn • Zayd They include– are buriedontheJordanian sideoftheriver. Mohammed (SAAS),veterans ofthiscampaign, Some oftheclosest CompanionsoftheProphet Byzantine forces atFahl (Pella) in635CE. fought oneofthedecisive battles against the many whohadknown theProphet (SAAS), the Jordan, thattheMuslimarmies,including culture. Itwashere, close to theEast bankof world duringthefirst great flowering ofIslamic formed partofthecultural core oftheMuslim the expansion ofIslamunderCaliphUmar, and The Jordan Valley alsoplayed acrucialrole in 21:71).(Quran belonging We which blessed” had to “the land has traditionally beenunderstood inIslamas Jordan River andeven asfar asDamascus, / AlQuds,includingthelandbeyond the territory around theHoly CityofJerusalem historic andspiritualheartlandsofIslam.The The Jordan River runsthrough oneofthe Islamic The ilal binRabah • Bilal (SAAS). Prophet (SAAS). Prophet (SAAS). ‘Ubaydah isburiedinthe Jordan Valley. of theArab armiesunder CaliphUmar. Abu accept Islamandlater supreme commander Jordan U baydah ibn al-Jarrah ibn baydah History , whoserved asmu’azin to the V , thecousin oftheProphet alley in , theadopted sonofthe , oneofthefirst to

anywhere intheworld. preserves oneofthefinest Islamicmosaics mosques, bathhouses,and libraries. Itstill Damascus. Thepalace contained gardens, the 8thcentury bytheUmayyad Caliphsof Palace’ inJericho–awinter retreat builtin and civilization.Thiscan beseenat‘Hisham’s development ofadistinctive Islamic culture in thereligious history ofIslam,butalsointhe The Jordan River Valley isimportant notjust the middle ofthetwentieth century. or ‘pilgrimage’)from theAyyubid perioduntil focus ofpopulardevotion andziyara (‘visitation’ Prophet Musa(pbuh),thissite flourishedasa many Muslimsto betheburialplace ofthe or shrineofNabiMusa(pbuh).Believed by sites sacred to Islam,most notably themaqam On theWest bankoftheriver, too, there are • Mu’ath bin Jabal Waqqas binAbi • Amir Sharhabil B • Sharhabil Al-Azwar bin • Dirar Mu’ath, too, isburiedintheJordan Valley. the timeofProphet Mohammed(SAAS). among thefour compilers oftheQuran during the battle ofBadrand whoisalsosaidto be the Jordan Valley. Companion to convert to Islam,alsoburiedin the Holy Quran. BuriedintheJordan Valley. and, according to some,oneofthescribes trusted oftheProphet’s (SAAS)Companions renowned warrior, buriedintheJordan Valley. in Hassneh , aCompanionwhofought in , anearly Companionand , saidto betheeleventh , amongthemost and O declaration on Nature, Assisi, 1976 on Nature, Assisi, declaration Muslim League, MuslimWorld General, Dr. Secretary Nasseef, Omar Abdullah safekeeping. its uswith to andentrusted He has God belongs It tobelong wish. to us we what do not does it of thisWe Earth; not masters are Earth. on and agents We God’s are stewards Al QudsUniversity, Prof. Mustafa AbuSway, AlAqsaMosque& is included. manner.in asustainable River Jordan The them and use sources to of these take care of Muslims duty isthe andreligious it trusts, are in this world resources the natural All ther creation quotes

on water

Research Center Research & International Innovation, Development thing.” of Science Director I. Faruqui, Naser living of water: water every from made “We made is itself life every but life, water give death.” its after Notto only thedoes earth life gives and therewith the sky water from the “And sent has down in the verse, Allah of water isreflected quality life-giving The humankind after creation iswater.precious the most that in seems the Quran, it out, points flow.”Caponera As rivers which “Gardensbeneath as isdescribed Paradise water, on resting as isdescribed throne and God's in times the Quran. sixty-three for water, word Arabic ma›,The occurs

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 37 Allah whomadeus. our proper condition isoneof submission to understand ourselves whenwe recognise that are Allah›s creation andwe can only properly very particularcreation ofAllah.Butstill we submission andpeace. Mankindisspecial,a The word ‹Islam›hasthedualmeaningof the lowest ofthebeasts. higher thanthatoftheangelsorsinklower than Mankind hasthepotential to acquire astatus and even themeansto turn against hisCreator. was created withreason andthepower to think very specialcreation because mankindalone to multiply. ThenAllahcreated mankind-a animals intheirpairs andgave themthemeans Maker. ItisAllahwhocreated theplantsand and wonderful universe belongs to Allah,its between dayandnight.Thewhole oftherich makes therain fall andkeeps theboundaries waters flow upon the earth, upholds the heavens, universe isAllah›screation. Allahmakes the The essence ofIslamicteaching isthattheentire Secretary General oftheMuslimWorld League. By HisExcellency Dr. AbdullahOmarNasseef, save thenatural world. come anddiscuss how theirfaiths could help Hinduism, IslamandJudaism–were invited to world religions –Buddhism,Christianity, in Assisi atwhichfive leaders ofthefive major which were created in1986,ata meetingheld from theoriginalAssisi Declarations onNature This istheMuslimDeclaration onNature, taken Muslim on Declarations Islam Declaration and ecology and

on essa Nature ys

notion thatdescribesthe accountability ofthe the trust ofAllahonthe DayofReckoning. The will have to render anaccount ofhow hetreated deeds aswell asouromissions. Thekhalifah Judgement, andthatwe are accountable for our by Allah,thatwe willreturn to Allah for Islam teaches usthatwe have beencreated which he/sheusesorabusesthetrust ofAllah. answerable for his/heractions,for thewayin is only to oversee thetrust. Thekhalifah is Our functionasvicegerents, Khalifahs ofAllah, and Hehasentrusted uswith itssafekeeping. to usto dowhatwe wish.Itbelongs to Allah are notmasters ofthisEarth;itdoesnotbelong are Allah›sstewards andagentsonEarth.We of aKhalifah -vicegerent ortrustee ofAllah.We For theMuslim,mankind›srole onearthisthat trustees ofAllah›sgiftsand bounty. is thatofbeingsensible, aware, responsible creation, thenwe become free. Ourfreedom respect andworship to Allahfor ournature and Allah, andwhenwe return proper thanksand all ourachievements derive from theMercy of we are conscious ofthat,whenwe realise that to usbyAllah.We are Hisservants andwhen potentials, skillsandknowledge are granted aware ofthesublimefact thatallourpowers, we submitto theWillofAllah,we become and peace between manandnature. When individuals, peace between manandman, Allah can we findpeace: peace withinusas And only whenwe submitto theWillof Allah hasappointed you asHisstewards over it.' again, 'Theworld isgreen andbeautiful, and from it,all ofitisacharityonhispart',and sows afieldandmenbeatsbirds eat is rewarded', and'IfaMuslimplantstree or looks after ituntilmatures andbears fruit say: 'Whosoever plantsatree anddiligently (peace beuponhim), the Prophet ofIslam,to Qur'an. Itisthesevalues whichled Muhammad, They constitute thebasicvalues taught bythe pillars oftheenvironmental ethicsofIslam. the] central concepts ofIslam,are alsothe is tawhid, khalifah andakhirah, …three [of So unity, trusteeship andaccountability, that creation around us. maintained balance andharmonyinthewhole of how we have walked thispathandhow we have the middle pathand we willbeanswerable for harmony. Therefore, MuslimssaythatIslam is against another;itismaintained bybalance and cannot behadbydiscord, bysettingoneneed fauna, itswildlife andnatural environment. Unity creation, theintegrity oftheEarth,itsflora and responsible for maintaining theunityofHis the unityofmanandnature. Histrustees are also reflected intheunityofmankind,and Unity ofAllah.AllahisandHis The central concept ofIslamisTawhid -the of whatwillbeinvolved inthatreckoning. the akhirah: itistheMessage whichinforms us guidance ofhow to live today sothatwe can face khalifah is akhirah (theHereafter). Islamisthe

As-Salam, used these aspects of the Shari'ah As-Salam, usedtheseaspects oftheShari'ah The classical Muslimjurist, IzzAl-DinIbnAbd legislation ofIslam. and forests, form thecore oftheenvironmental established soley for theconservation ofwildlife protect natural resources, andhima,reserves within whichdevelopment isprohibited to institutions asharam zones,inviolate areas the Shari'ah(IslamicLaw).Surah Shari'ah been translated into practical injunctionsin Indeed, thenotionoftawhid andkhalifah have pragmatic shapesto itsconcepts andvalues. in allitsprinciples and injunctions,to give Islam isavery practical world view. Itseeks, has wrought withthesedevices intheHereafter. because Iwillbeaccountable for whatmankind and prepare myselfto make choices aboutthem, Earth, thenImust have anopinionaboutthem intend to beAllah'skhalifah, Hissteward on wellbeing ofmankindandnature. IfIsincerely costs. Bothhave implications for thehealthand here-and-now issues. Bothhave benefitsand biotechnology. Bothoftheseare very present surprise you. Iwould saynuclear power and to dowithhere andnow, myanswer might ask mewhatthenotionofHereafter has , they concern ushere andnow. Ifyou were to And theseare notremote, other-worldly notions of our mental andphysical make-up. values are adopted andbecome anintrinsicpart Environmental consciousness isbornwhensuch

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 39 draw uptherightbalance sheetofpossibilities, to ask environmentally appropriate questions, to furnish uswithaworld-view whichenables us being. We must judgeouractionsbythem.They We must imbibethesevalues into ourvery contrary to theenvironmental dictates ofIslam. technologists, economists orpoliticians,we act cherish. Often while working asscientists or our actionsoften undermine thevery values we provides thebearingsfor allouractions.Yet life, bywhichitismeantthatourethical system We often saythatIslamisacomplete way of for environmental legislation. punishment; itmust alsobecome thevanguard not berelegated just to issues ofcrimeand aspects oftheirlife andwork. Shari'ahshould matters ofpersonal piety;they must guideall and accountability shouldnotbereduced to environment. Thenotionsofunity, trusteeship this wayofunderstanding themselves andtheir Muslims needto turnto thisnexus ofvalues, practical guideaswell. limited to metaphysical notions;they provide a so on.Islam'senvironmental ethicsthenare not growth ofcities,protect cultural property, and prevent over-grazing, conserve forests, limitthe legislations to safeguard water resources, numerous otherjurists andscholars developed animals inthethirteenth century. Similarly, when heformulated thebilloflegal rightsof actions whichdominates theworld today. to theenvironmentally destructive thoughtand doing andknowing; atrueIslamicalternative we willcreate acaring andpractical wayofbeing, themselves to the WillofAllah-then,Ibelieve, know ourselves asMuslims-thosewhosubmit technologist, economist orpolitician,aswe doto understanding inourwork asscientist or If we usethesamevalues, thesame creations. Allah, withoutviolatingtherightsofHisother within theethical boundariesestablished by and benefitsofwhat we want,what we can do and to properly weigh theenvironmental costs Sustainable The cultural andhumanitarian drives. development enterprise, motivated byreligious, equity through collective participationinthe unemployment, inabidto achieve justice and security ortheeradication ofpoverty and a contribution to therestoration ofpeace and they live. Itmaybeanactofsocialsolidarity, and takes care oftheenvironment inwhich is every gooddeedthatbenefits to people are theonewhowreak havoc inearth.Charity and thecharitable, andthemost hated byAllah Indeed, themost beloved byAllahare thepious of Article being ofeachandeverybody. sustainable development for thegeneral well- every personal andpossible effort to achieve general acceptance oftheterm, andto make bound to take care oftheenvironment, inthe environment. TheMuslim,inparticular, isduty- responsible for theharnessing andprotection of is mandated to buildcivilizationandheld Man isthelieutenant ofAllahonearth.He on Article Forum on Religion and Ecology at Y at Religion Ecology on and Forum ofthe the at website found be can which declaration, the full from excerpt anedited is This to 10-12 corresponding II, 1423C.E A.H. 2002 June I- Rabia 29 on Rabia in Jeddah held 1st ministers environment of conference Islamic first The man man Islamic

2:Responsibility 1: Honour Declaration Development bestowed ale.

thereto. damage theeco-system ordisturb thebalance refrain from anyactlikely to cause pollutionor air, climate, water, seas,flora and fauna, and promote allitsnatural resources, including are, all,duty-boundto take care ofitand Allah. Therefore, individualsandcommunities The environment isagiftdonated to manby an Article Islamic 3: Environment perspective from

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 41 the Prophet (pbuh)to the cleansing action of Pillars ofIslam, hasitselfbeencompared by The benefitofthedaily prayers, oneofthe Five is, washingbefore prayer) and ghusl(bathing). importance for itsusein wudu(ablution,that good healthbut,for Muslims,itenjoys special All humanbeingsrely onwater for life and thing.” living every water life from made isitselfmadeofwater: “We death.” Not only doeswater give life, butevery sky andtherewith gives life to theearthafter its “And Allahhassentdown thewater from the giving qualityofwater isreflected inthe verse, creation after humankindiswater. Thelife- it seemsthatintheQuran, themost precious flow.” rivers which beneath described as“Gardens described asresting onwater, andParadise is three timesintheQuran. God's throne is The Arabic word for water, ma', occurs sixty- earth. sustains life, andpurifieshumankind andthe considered ablessing from Godthatgives and Water isofprofound importance inIslam.Itis W and mana Islam Naser I. Faruqui, Asit K Asit Faruqui, I. Naser in Islam’by Management ‘Water the book from footnotes without excerpt anedited is This U the from engineering amaster’s in holds environmental Faruqui degree organizations. water respected ofinternationally agroup by in the world oftheone top 14 specialists water young In 1999, issues. named management water on was he (IDRC). Center anexpert is He Research Development the at International Innovation and ofScience the Director is Faruqui Naser ater technology,innovation. science, and on widely published has and ofOttawa, niversity As Caponera (thisvolume) pointsout,

principles gement as and a social water :O

iswas, and Murad J. Bino( Murad and . Biswas, verview

good Naser I. Faruqui I. Naser

times daily.”times five the gateby washes he of ofin one which you passing river like is overflowing an prayers five water inthefollowing similitude of hadith, “The world belong to Allah,hisProphet, orphans, the distribution bystating thattherichesofthis Quran warnshumanbeings against unfair travellers.” the from it withheld he and water way on a superfluous possessed [who] ignore on thedayofresurrection are “a man stated thatamongthethree people Allahwill allow others to benefitbyit.TheProphet (pbuh) hoard excess water –rather heisobliged to as well asanythingelse.AMuslimcannot for anadequate amountofclean, fresh water, himself.”for for his (Muslim)wishes likes he what brother For example, till he faith have “None ofwill you and thoserelated to water are noexception. the hadith relate to thepreservation ofequity, example for theminthisregard. Virtually allof and thattheProphet Muhammad(pbuh)setthe equity, insocietyisthecornerstone ofIslam, Muslims believe thatensuringsocialjustice, or W ater U N Press, IDRC). U Press, and Obviously, thisappliesto thedesire equity The and fire (fuel).”and fire water (pasture), things: in three share grass or poor, have aright:“Muslims common have water acommunity resource to whichall,rich the following hadith, whicheffectively makes has therightto afair share, isemphasizedby water asavital resource, ofwhicheveryone you.” among wealthy ought “not the (merely) make between acircuit needy, andthewayfarer, andthattheseriches of mudd one water [equalablution with to Prophet Mohammad(pbuh)“used to perform The hadithare even more explicit. The loveth not the wasters.”God for excess, not by But waste and drink: . Eat commit noexcess therein: “O Children of Adam! sustenance inmoderation, provided thatthey humans thatthey mayuseGod’s giftsfor their inmeasure.” fixed the sky The Quran thentells increased is:“And water from down send we managed because suppliescannot beinfinitely that therefore, atsomepoint, demandmust be The statement thatwater supply isfixed, and fixed, andsecond, itshouldnotbewasted. management. First, thesupply ofwater is regarding water thatsupportwater demand The Quran makes two clear statements W and publicutility. or acollective property for religious purposes well wasactually madeinto a waqf,usufruct available free to theMuslim community –the (a settlement inArabia) andmadeitswater third Muslimcaliph, boughtthewell ofRuma his companions, Othman,wholater became the ater conservation

On theProphet’s advice, oneof In fact, the recognition of already doingso. but only 34percent felt thatimamswere environmental education andpublicawareness, the imamsshouldplayanimportant role in 64 percent oftherespondents believed that religious leaders. Ina1993survey inJordan, being educated abouttheenvironment bytheir volume), ordinary Muslimssupport theideaof Muslim countries. Asnoted byAtallah (this promote water conservation inpredominantly surprising thatthey are notused more widely to Given theclarityoftheseexamples, itis river.” (large) flowing ablution the of on bank afast- performing if plenty water even whenhesaid“Do not waste forbade waste even inconditions ofseeming the Prophet lived. However, theProphet to sustainable water useinaridArabia where This hadithdemonstrates thelogical approach [equal mudds up 1/2 to to litres].” five 2–3 litre] 2/3 and used to sa' one and used take abath with

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 43 • Whatisthe relationship between Muslims and • Whatistheimportance oftheJordan River? How isitnow? • WhatwastheJordan River like 50years ago? • How wideistheJordan River? • How deepistheJordan River? • Where istheJordan River? • Whatcomes to mindwhenyou thinkofthe paign andbringbacklife to theriver. eral role from theIslamicperspective, andthenhow they can helpthecam- values. Thesectionaddresses whoare thecommunity leaders andtheirgen- ate asoundandbalanced environment insocietybasedonmoral andspiritual This sectionisfocused onIslamiceducation andtherole ofeducators to cre- III. Educational Jordan River? “Jordan River”? Resources Jordan River needsyour answer… • Dowe realize yet thatourcommunities • How can we find away to useearth’s • How shouldwe live upto God’s command? • Whatisyour responsibility as aMuslim upon whichlife depends? prosper if we destroy thenatural resources will notthrive andoureconomies willnot resource withoutexhausting them? towards theJordan River?

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 45 important Why and Rationalization role withinIslam.Asaconsequence ofthis, on societyandwater playsanextremely pivotal things happen. Religion exerts agreat influence encourages everyone to have avoice andmake skilled atlistening to others andconsistently for thebetter. A goodcommunity leader is inspire others to jointheminchangingthings create action andchange.They are able to Leaders are thepeople inacommunity who Community leaders are community builders! Why dowe needcommunity leaders inourcase? all kindsofcommunity projects. preachers, aswell asvolunteers whowork on Community leaders can beteachers, Imams,or So provide leadership andguidance. they can call uponincase ofanyproblems, to in acertain area, withacommunity leader that A community can beagroup ofpeople wholive leaders human development. of balance andmoderation intheinterest of environmental science are basedontherule The teachings ofIslamwithregards to The role of Imams, preachers, and students in schools, universities and communities communities and universities in schools, students and preachers, ofImams, role The who are waste are communities ? ? community of water

and societyingeneral. irresponsibility ontheindividual inparticular, consequences ofcomplacency, apathy, or the individualandsociety, andwarn ofthe This allows themto achieve beneficial for abides withtheteachings of IslamicSharia. can call uponpeople incircumstance that Thus, asuccessful preacher issomeone who rationalize consumption. regarding water conservation andwaysto of citizens,includingproviding guidance play animportant role inraising theawareness Virtue andPrevention ofVice. Inaddition,they have thehonorable task ofthePromotion of efficacy. Withtheiroutreach capabilities they recognized asaforce for improvement and community. Imams’ roles are vital asthey are of effective andinfluentialadvocates inthe and playanimportant role intherecognition significance to thepositive changesofbehavior, Preaching andguidance are ofgreat during theFriday prayer. conservation while delivering specialsermons have beentrained to convey messages ofwater in different areas oftheMuslimworld asImams proved very useful,beneficial and cost effective programs basedonreligious principles have awareness campaigns andwater conservation mentored and supported. of tomorrow! They needto beencouraged, Young people inyour community are theleaders in thesocialstructure ofthemodern world. moral andsocialleadership thathasnoparallel the Muslimworld. They presented apattern of the Islamicsystem enjoyed auniquestatus in in Christian community. Indeed,teachers in Imam hasasimilarrole to apreacher orpastor knowledgeable aboutIslam.Inmost ways,an and grievances aswell asbeingthemost for hiscommunity, tryingto solve issues He leads prayers, gives advice, andtends to askfor guidance. religion andspiritualaffairs people come to him community, whenpeople have aquestion about most experienced andreligiously learned inthe the leader ofaMuslim community. Asheisthe The Imamistheleader ofamosque,andthus the Why is Muslim an Imam community? important in

• Imamsorteachers can setamodelfor proper • Imamsraise awareness aboutproper • Schoolscan organize tripsto visittheJordan • You can teach lessons to students from the • You can initiate aposter campaign showcasing • You can make useofthebooklet material to • You can launchcommunity basedinitiatives • Imamscan customize theFriday sermonto or If rehabilitate irrigate mosque’s andschool’s gardens. water consumption byreusing grey water to in water conserving manner. consumption practices e.g.performs ablution River. plans provided inthisbooklet about thepreservation ofwater sources. what theQuran andreligious texts teach be taught inmosques. Jordan. young people to helptherehabilitation ofthe and events aimedatyouth, andmobilize talk abouttheJordan River Rehabilitation. y student ou are an y the Imam ou can Jordan , teacher help River us , to

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 47 Lessons Allah bounty.” (Quran 16:14) to wear, andyou seetheshipstherein thatplough thewaves, thatyou may seekofHis may eatthereof fleshthatisfresh and tender, andthat you maybring forth from itornaments development ofthis world. Godhassaid: “ItisHeWhohasmadetheseaofservice, thatyou it thehabitat ofmanycreated beingsthatplayvital roles inthepreservation oflife andthe God hasalsoshown usthefunctionsofwater from lakes, seas,andoceans. Hehasmade thing” (30.Alanbya’) to whatHehasordered us,for Allah,TheAlmighty, says,“we madefrom water every living I urge you andmyselfto beever conscious ofAllahandto construct ourlives inaccordance humankind. be mindfulofourobligationsandto keep thesources ofwater clean andavailable to allof to protect. Verses from theQuran andthetraditions ofProphet Muhammadimplore usto and preserve themfor future generations. Water isoneresource thatisbecoming difficult things we needto survive successfully andflourish,but we are obligated to care for them vegetation, animals,oceans, rivers, deserts,andfertile land. Allahprovides uswiththe Islam identifieshumanbeingsasthecustodians oftheearthandallthatisonit,including light ofwhatHesays,“We madefrom water every livingthing”{30.Alanbya’}. O Servants ofAllah,Iurge you andmyselfto bemindfulofAllahtheAlmightyandobey Himin Day ofJudgment. Allah beuponhim,hiscompanions andallthosewhowillfollow theminrighteousness tillthe Pious andCommanderoftheformer andlater peoples. Maythepeace andtheblessings of I alsobearwitness thatMuhammadisHisServant andMessenger. HeistheImamof earth andwhatever iswithinthem.AndHeover allthings,Witness. alone withoutanypartners orpeers. To Himbelongs thedominionofheavens andthe status andMajesty. Ibearwitness thatthere isnodeityworthy ofworship, except for Him Praise beto Allah,theAlmighty, theAll-Wise.Ithankhimasisbefitting to hisSovereign Example is that Witness Lesson can 1: over help what y ou y ou do the first territory inwhichIslamspread outside oftheArabian Peninsula, anditwasalsothe a great duty towards thisriver: to save itandto restore itaswitness to Islamichistory. Itwas have blessed, to show himofOursigns.Indeed,He istheHearing,Seeing.”(17:1).We have His Servant bynightfrom al-Masjidal-Haram to al-Masjidal-Aqsa,whosesurroundings We muqadasa –theholy land mentionedintheQur’ansurrat al-esra’a “Exalted isHewhotook Today, we are talking aboutJordan River. Asyou know theJordan River isapartofalard al- becoming progressively more scarce. which isofincreasing relevance inaworld where resources whichwere once abundantare rise to anoutstanding example ofthesustainable useofascarce resource; anexample The long experience ofMuslimjurists intheallocation ofwater rightsinaridlandshasgiven and hesaid,“Yes, even ifyou are byaflowing river!” “Is there wastage even inwashingfor prayer?” asked Sa’d; “What isthiswastage, OSa’ d?” his companion Sa’d,whowaswashingfor prayer, andsaid: irrespective ofwhetherwater isscarce orabundant.Itisrelated thattheProphet passed by Extravagance inusingwater isforbidden; thisappliesto private aswell aspublicuse,and “And tell themthatthewater shallbeshared between them…”(Quran 54:28) Thamud andtheircamel: usurpation, despoilment,wastage, orabuse. Godcommanded withregard to thepeople of right ofalllivingbeingsandhumanbeings. Allare entitled to useitwithoutmonopoly, Owing to theimportance ofwater asthebasisoflife, Godhasmadeitsusethecommon as thejuristic principle is“Whatleads to theprohibited isitselfprohibited.” destroying orpollutingit,byotherwiseimpairingitsfunctionasthebasis of life, isprohibited Any actionthatobstructs orimpairs thebiological andsocialfunctionsofthis,whetherby indispensable to fulfilltheimperative obligationofpreserving life istherefore itselfobligatory. continuation oflife initsvarious forms: plant,animal,andhuman.InIslamiclawwhatever is There isnodoubtthatconservation ofthisvital element isfundamental to thepreservation and those whotravel…” (Quran 5:96) “Lawful to you isthepursuit ofwater-game andits usefor food aprovision for you andfor

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 49 it states “We madefrom water every living thing”(21:30).Butthis isnottheonly Ayah (verse) One ofthemost famous verses pertaining to water istaken from theSura oftheProphets and subject ofwater. and Islamicprinciples have beenusedto influence andimprove people’s concern onthe Muslims andithas,accordingly, shapedtheirbehaviors and customs. Inthelast decade Islam Water isapivotal issue inIslam.Scarcity hasalways influenced the perception ofwater by Example benevolence Hewillincrease Hisblessings to you. O servants ofAllah,remember AllahandHewillremember you. Begrateful for His deeds, remove from usourmisdeedsandcause usto die withtherighteous. success beanally to us.OAllah, we seekYour favour to raise ourstatus, increase ourgood our intentions, grant that our spousesandoffspringbeajoy to oureyes andmake O Allah,Show ustheessence oftruthandgrant usthewillto follow it.MayAllahalsomend reckoning. So Allahiswitness onwhatyou do,Godwillaskonwhatyou didinthisworld inthedayof see whatyou willdo.’Prophet Mohammed(SAAS),MusnadAhmadBinHanbal(Ch.3) ‘Verily, thisworld issweet andappealing,Allahplaced you asvicegerents therein; Hewill and therapid expansion oftheIslamicworld. the second Battle ofYarmouk (636CE).Thisvictory openedthewayto theconquest ofSyria (634 CE)andFahl (635CE),theMuslimarmieswon adecisive battle against theByzantinesat Muslim Arab tribesregrouped for amuchwidermilitary operation. After battles atYarmouk After two unsuccessful attacks against theByzantinegarrisontown ofMu’tah in629CE,the The most important battles inIslamichistory took place onthebanksofJordan River. of theProphet are buriedaround thisriver. Qur’anic Revelation), andDirar binal-Azwar(agreat general). Infact, manymore companions Mu’ath binJabal(theProphet’s governor inYemen); ShurhabilbinHusna(theScribeofthe ‘Ubaydah ‘Amer Ibnal-Jarrah (oneofthe“Blessed Ten” companions promised Paradise); husband oftheProphet’s daughter Fatima andthefather ofal-Hassan andal-Hussein); Abu Qur’an); Ja’far binAbiTalib (cousin oftheProphet andelderbrother ofAli,whowasthe al-Haritha (theProphet’s adopted sonandtheonly companion mentioned bynameinthe The most important companions oftheProphet (PBUH)buriedinJordan include:Zeidibn site ofthe first contact between Islamandthe non-Arab world. Lesson 2: was done by teaching the public basic facts but also by stressing the importance of a change aware onwater issues in theirregion focusing mainly ontheshared water resources. This Jordan River isagift from Allah,Thegoalofthiscampaign hasbeen to make people more gift byGodandmenare notallowed to own it. perceived inMuslimsociety too. Water like allothernatural resources present onearth isa strong. There isanIslamicapproach to theenvironment thatisreflected onthewaywater is of water inthesocietyisextremely pivotal andthelinksbetween itandreligion are very All theseexamples show to whatextent water andIslamare intertwined, how therole people, andespecially women, could meetthusmakingbathingalayritual. commodity inmost houses.Goingto theHammam wasalsoasocialexperience where located intheproximity ofamosqueitwaswidely usedwhenbathrooms were nota Another distinctive buildingoftheIslamiccity istheHammam(theTurkish bath).Usually Prophet asoneofthemost ignominiousactsto perform (AbdelHaleem, 1989). principles ofSharaitic law. Denyingwater to someone askingfor itiscondemned bythe Offering water to thethirsty hasalways beenadutyto befulfilled anditisperceived as (Quranic schoolfor boys) ontop. charitable structure composed ofaSabil(drinkingfountain) ontheground floor, andaKuttab A characteristic buildingofIslamicCairo duringtheMamlukera wastheSabilKuttab, a fountains builtfor charitydecorated withQuranic inscriptions,orbeverage basinsfor animals. could findbasins for theablutionsand streets were scattered withSubul(Sabil),public the planningofIslamiccity. Thecitywasusually builtaround amosquewhere you Water alsohadanimpactonartandarchitecture inIslamiccivilization:itspresence shaped of awater body, orapoemsetinanoasis. common to find references to water inArabic literature, beitanaccount ofthecharacteristics Water haspermeated manyaspectsoflife inArab-Muslim societies:for example itisquite also created seasandrivers sothatthey could beusedbymenfor transportation. everyday life: water issentbyGodsothatmencan drinkitorgrow agricultural products. God References to water in themost sacred bookfor Muslimsare alsovery material andlinked to rivers flowing andflorid vegetation (Sura oftheBee16,30-31). Water isalsoasymbolofresurrection since paradise isalways describedasaplace with cause thegrowth ofthetrees inthem.Canthere beanothergodbesidesAllah?”(27,60). it We cause to grow well-planted orchards fullofbeautydelight:itisnotinyour power to created theheavens andtheearth,Whosendsyou down water from thesky?Yea, with proof oftheexistence anduniqueness ofAllahasstated intheSura oftheAnt:“Or, Whohas Water isthusdescribedasagiftbyGodsothathumanitycan benefitfrom it.Thisgiftisthe fountains, springs,rain, hail,clouds andwinds,are alsofrequent (AbdelHaleem, 1989). Several otherwords related to thesemanticsofwater andhydrology, suchasrivers, sea, where theword Mā’(water) appears since itoccurs more thansixtytimesintheQuran. in behaviors in water use (Atallah, Ali Khan)

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 51 our timeon this precious planet. Judgment, we willallbeheldaccountable for the natural environment as,ontheDayof of your role asyoung Muslims inpreserving Finally, Iwould like to reiterate theimportance involved An the river to survive, we cannot remain silent. spiritual challenge for Muslims.Ifwe wantto question ofpolitics–itisalsoamoral and The revival oftheJordan isanotsimply a care aboutthisriver andexpect themto act. and Palestinian decision-makers know thatwe – to raise ourvoices andlet Jordanian, Israeli, We need to push this issue up the political agenda that’s comein. And you where on allsidesofthevalley. requires real political commitment from leaders Reviving theJordan River isachallenge that IV. Ideas opportunity to for Community A get

ction Thank you and good luck with your efforts. your with luck good and you Thank hashtag #SaveTheJordan. Jordan campaign onFacebook andTwitter – this campaign. You willalsofindtheSave the on how you andyour community can support website –www.SaveTheJordan.com -for details peace intheMiddle East. Seethecampaign action for boththeenvironment andto build is givingyou anopportunityto take practical EcoPeace /Friends oftheEarthMiddle East sustain thevalley. to anecological state thatishealthyenoughto a role to playinrestoring thisrenowned river Whether ornotwe live intheregion we allhave heritage ofmanypeople around theworld. that ispartoftheshared natural andcultural The Jordan River isanimportant global icon

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 53 • G • G River. the Jordan for • Sign the Covenant The HOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAI GN can make a difference. make difference. a can doesn’t It hundred. three matter. Together, you community. You or might of agroup three be your from or co-workers classmates, document. this of cover on Covenant the inside of the find the text community. or You’ll an individual as River the for Jordan the Covenant endorsing by the world around leaders and congregations the world’s Join decision makers. vis-a-vis inof one’s the Jordan communities and commitment to the champion rehabilitation the covenantEndorsing demonstrates to humanity. value River’s outstanding Jordan the articulating statement avision is Covenant it. FoEME can provide films, presentations, presentations, films, provide FoEMEit. can about do can they what and matters, it why to the river, to happened tellneed them what et together. et inspired. Establish a circle of friends, of acircle friends, Establish When you’ve When got agroup, you Identify your target. • Identify your religious congregation. religious your to engage use that can you sermons sample and essays, quotations, that include scriptural sourcebooks published have we groups faith For tell to you this help story. sheets fact and society leaders you are going to are approach. you leaders society civil or religious, of the political, addresses and the names group,your up come and with with it to Discuss position make this call. that the river. share You in the are best the countries from the national ambassadors or representatives, elected your to address you’re might you need the Middle East, outside If community. your of representative senior might it the congregation, most be a religious minister. or might amayor be you’re If of part the river, that border ofone the countries this you’re If person. to the right in this message to address crucial is It them to act. want and the river about that care you know makers You to let decision- need grabbing stunt to bringtheJordan River to the Organize acreative, peaceful, attention- Get and start to work withyou onthecampaign? meeting, sos/hecan learn more abouttheissue Why notinvite your representative orleader to a Meet sheets, andstories to helpyou make thecase. On ourwebsite you’ll findsample letters, fact postcards can allhelpyour letter to stand out. to make more impact.Pictures, poemsand email, andpersonal, hand-written letters tend Old-fashioned papermailismore effective than Write IDEAS FOR ACTION • G message across. across. message to to how get the to, it decide need you say to want you who and to say want you what et the message across et the message

noticed

. When you know know you . When

© Jonathan Kalan / FoEME These are nottheonly waysto raise awareness Use process. activism, andparticipation inthedemocratic an education inglobal citizenship,grassroots consciousness; itcan alsooffer young people of thiskindisnotonly raises environmental you could invite to suchan event. Amodule leaders –aswell aswhichmediaoutlets - Jordan. Thinkaboutwhichreligious orpolitical exhibit to raise awareness aboutthestate ofthe poems, songs,films,orphotos that you can about theriver. Thiscould produce paintings, may wantto designaneducational project If you are aschoolteacher orfaith leader, you LEARN, Create are welcome to contact us for ideasand advice. strategy to great effect intheMiddle East –you as clear aspossible. FoEME hasusedthis invite thelocal media,andto getyour message attention ofpolitical leaders. Rememberto Quran, 14:32 for you therivers.” sea byHiscommand andsubjected you theshipsto sailthrough the provision for you andsubjected for produced thereby somefruitsas down rain from theskyand heavens andtheearthsent “It isAllahwhocreated the y our ima gination , EXHIBIT

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 55 • Invite FoEME to speak to your community. FoEME to community. • Invite your to speak networks social your Use the word. • Spread OTHER WA as anobstacle. join you inthiseffort, rather thantreating them political leaders aspartners, and askthemto positive -you’ll bemore effective ifyou address imagination. Make somenoise.Andkeep it about thestate oftheJordan River. Useyour Jordan River.Jordan the about FoEME to to speak community your from like inGet touch would you someone if behind the campaign. build momentum us Facebookand helps -it you’re tell what us Please Twitter doing via powerful. voice the is most own your – but out to get the word help posts sample even and photos, videos, our website you’ll find you’re what and care, you doing to On help. why is, the problem what know people Let River. of the Jordan the for revival to call YS TO HELP We need your financial support to • Donate.financial We your support need to the river.• Come to get more want you If your local campaign to raise funds. www.SaveTheJordan.com or, better still, use continue You this effort. can donate directly at successful. and make safe trip your groups) help that’ll faith and environmental (including partners local and tour operators in you touch put with community. Wealso can in home your the for river to advocate use can you that knowledge first-hand equip with you like of the valley. thisboth sides will Ajourney -on to and learn to stay places –ideas parks eco- FoEME yourself. runs for River Jordan the to see organize ajourney involved, deeply contributors, project advisers orreviewers. the view ofEcoPeace/ FoEME, ourexpert team, of theauthoranddonotnecessarily represent The views expressed intheessays are those contributions. are greatly enriched bytheirthoughtful Dr.Mahmoud Abu-Snaineh.Ourtoolkits Mosque intheUK,ImamZaidShakirand Secretary General oftheWembley Central Sway, Dr. HusnaAhmed,ShahabHussein, to thispublication includingProf. Mustafa Abu time, essays, commentaries, andreferences faith leaders whovolunteered to contribute international, regional, andlocal experts and Additional thanksare dueto themany Rehabilitation Project. Foundation for theirsupportoftheJordan River Cooperation Agency(SIDA) andtheOsprey the Swedish International Development FoEME would like to recognize andthank NOTE OF GRATITUDE comes from theversion byYusuf Ali. (21:30) onthecover ofthisdocument,which Holy Quran, withtheexception ofthequotation from theSahihInternational editionofthe All English-languagetranslations are taken A NOTE ON QURANIC TRANSLATION V. CREDITS Development Director Rabbi MichaelSchwartz,Resource for Projects andInternational Affairs Y Projects Coordinator Elizabeth Koch-Y River Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Abdel Kareem Shreiteh, Palestinian Jordan Relations Officer Anwar AbuHamour,Jordanian Government F Daniel Adamson,Exterior Consultant Author AND PRODUCEDBY THIS PUBLICATION WAS WRITTEN Rand Aljammal Graphic generous contribution ofwork to thiscampaign. Many thanksto thesephotographers for their ©Daniel Adamson/FoEME, ©Ofer Stein. Blatutis /FoEME, ©EddieGerald /Pixmedia, ©Francesco Zizzola,©Josvan Wunnik,©Jesse Photography: ©Jonathan Kalan/FoEME, Photography ana AbuTalab, Jordanian Assistant Director oEME Project Design a’ari, Israeli Jordan River Team

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 57 Email: [email protected] Email: Fax: +962 65866604 Tel: +962 65866602/3 11181 Jordan, -Amman, Box 840252 PO Office Amman www.foeme.org visit: please publications anyofour FoEME on to or download information For more Bethlehem, and Amman, in FoEME offices Tel-Aviv. has our region. in peace lasting conditions for of the and creation necessary development regional both sustainable to advance seek we doing, In so heritage. environmental our shared to protect efforts cooperative of the is promotion objective our primary environmentalists, Israeli and Palestinian, Jordanian, together that brings organization atri-lateral As movement. peacemaking of the environmental (FoEME) at aunique the is forefront organization East Middle ofthe Earth Friends EcoPeace/ OF THEEARTHMIDDLEEAST ABOUT ECOPEACE /FRIENDS Email: [email protected] Email: Fax: +972 22745968 Tel: +972 22747948 Palestine Box –Bethlehem, 421 PO Office Bethlehem Email: [email protected] Email: Fax: +972 35604693 Tel: +972 35605383 Israel Road–Tel Begin 90 Aviv, 67183 Tel Office Aviv

© Jonathan Kalan / FoEME the Earth Middle East. the Earth of to Friends accreditation EcoPeace/ full with purposes research and educational for used be can text The Middle East. of the Earth Friends EcoPeace/ by permission prior without commercial use for otherwise, or recording, photocopying, mechanical, any means, by or in any form transmitted or system in retrieval stored reproduced, be may of this publication Nopart Reserved. Rights © All #SaveTheJordan Hashtag: Twitter: @FoEMidEast the Jordan Facebook: Save Web: www.SaveTheJordan.com [email protected] Email: You - this FoEME campaign about to welcome contact are CONTACT US

RIVER OUT OF EDEN 59 SUPPORTED BY

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Osprey Foundation